10 Summer Beach Bag Essentials

Summer is officially here and you know what that means – time to hit the beach, enjoy some fun in the sun, and travel on a vacation or two. There are few things quite as glorious as a day soaking up the sun with the waves crashing nearby, and the summer season is the perfect time to enjoy it. If you’re looking to make a full-day trip to the sand, it’s essential that you pack your beach bag accordingly. Forgetting sunblock or water can quickly turn your day from fab to drab. Check out our list of 10 summer bag essentials.

Sunscreen

This is number one for a reason. When summer rolls around, sunscreen should be in your purse at all times – not just when you hit the beach. After all, there’s nothing worse than the lobster look on a night out. But don’t worry, you don’t have to bring along your mom’s goop – sunscreen has come a long way over the years with products that will protect your skin without making it oily. Try Cool Sun Care products which don’t sacrifice beauty for sun protection.

Water Bottle

In the summer months, staying hydrated is of the utmost importance and if you’re planning a day in the sun, be sure to bring some H2O along for the ride. Consider a stainless steel water bottle, which will keep your water cold throughout the day, no matter how much time you spend in the sun. There also great filtered water bottles that are perfect for creating delicious infusions with all of your favorite summer fruits.

Cool Shades

Sunglasses don’t just protect your eyes from the sun, they’re an absolute must-have summer accessory. The right pair can help you show off your personality and sense of style, while also keeping your eyes safe from the sun’s harsh rays, like a pair of Ray-Ban aviators. Instead of buying the most popular style, opt for creating your own customizable pair instead. No one will have the same unique pair of shades as you, so you’ll be rocking a style that’s all your own.

Waterproof Speakers

Think back to summers past, it seems there is always a summer “anthem” that triggers nostalgia. With a portable speaker, you can bring your tunes along to the beach, retro style. There are plenty of wireless Bluetooth options, as well as a few with a small aux cord for easy connectivity, and there are plenty of great colors, sizes, and styles to choose from.

Hair Spray

Bet you didn’t think that would make the beach bag list! But the truth is that your hair needs protection from the sun just as much as your skin does. Beach texture spray has color and UVA & UVB protection to combat against chlorine, salt water and the sun. With this product on hand you can go from beach day to sleek night in one fell swoop. Plus, your hair with thank you for it, since a safe scalp is a happy one.

Straw Beach Mat

Straw beach mats are a great alternative to towels as they don’t hold sand as easily and they’re just as comfortable. Many come with fun floral designs and they’re easy to rinse off after a day in the sun. There are plenty that also roll up for easy carrying, and some will even fit inside your beach bag with no extra bulk.

Portable Phone Charger

When you’re listening to music, taking Snapchats and sending texts at the beach, your phone is bound to drain quickly. Remember to bring along a portable phone charger so that you can keep your phone powered through all the summer fun. No matter your device, there’s an easy and small portable charger out there for you.

A Chic Beach Hat

You can stay cool and look stylish in the sun with the right beach hat! Wide-brim, floppy hats are the way to go for overall protection, but a classic baseball cap can do the trick too. Make sure to buy a hat that compliments your face shape so that you’ll look as cute as you feel.

Don’t Forget the Games

If you tire of sunbathing, that doesn’t mean you have to hit the road. Bring along a portable game like volleyball to keep the fun going. Just make sure your activity of sport is allowed on your beach, you may be surprised to know that Frisbee is actually banned on LA County beaches.

Waterproof Mascara

You never know when you might need a quick touch-up. There are plenty of great options that are not only water resistant, but also use a special “tubing” formula binds to your lashes so it won’t smudge, clump or flake. Available in a variety of colors, it’s the perfect summer accessory.

Featured Writers

Kali O'RourkeKali usually ends up watching movies and TV shows when she should be writing, which means she can and will beat you at any pop culture trivia game. When not found reading or wishing it was Halloween, she dreams about one day creating a TV show that ruins people’s lives (in a good way).

Mallory WalkerI spend too much time reading and watching TV. The phrase "What is the meaning of this?!" always cracks me up. Puppies, Diet Coke and the '90s make me happy. I mean really, who doesn't love the days of Marky Mark?